Understanding The Surge In Wildlife Sightings Across Utah Communities

The other day my wife was talking to me about disposing some apples that were no longer appropriate for some baking she was planning on doing. She wondered if she should leave them in our yard for the animals to eat, and I suggested to her that it would be like putting up the “we're open” sign for the new deer cafeteria. I love our wildlife here in Utah, but I'm not sure I want them hanging out in my front yard all winter long. But chances are wildlife will be in my neighborhood this winter, and your neighborhood, too.

Utah’s growing population and urban expansion have led to more frequent wildlife encounters across the state. With more people hiking and camping in natural habitats during the summer and wildlife venturing into urban areas in winter, these sightings are now common in neighborhoods and even backyards. Winter encounters often involve deer, moose, and their predator, the cougar, as these animals move to lower elevations for food when snow covers the mountains. As more security cameras capture these movements, sightings of wildlife have increased, although this doesn’t necessarily mean animals are entering neighborhoods more than before, we're just seeing it more.

To ensure safety, it’s important to maintain distance from wildlife. Wildlife experts like Dax Mangus from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) warn that approaching animals can make them feel threatened, leading to aggressive behavior that can be dangerous for both people and pets. Wildlife, especially in winter, must conserve energy to survive, so human disturbances can also harm animals by depleting their essential fat reserves.

The DWR advises against feeding wildlife, even though it’s not illegal in most areas. Feeding can pose safety risks, drawing animals like deer into neighborhoods, which, in turn, can attract predators such as cougars. It can also spread diseases like chronic wasting disease among species like deer, elk, and moose. Feeding animals disrupts their natural foraging habits, potentially causing them to congregate in unnatural ways, which can increase the risk of road accidents and alter their migration patterns. I'm glad now we didn't leave those apples out.

Different animals require specific actions from residents. For instance, a cougar only needs to be reported if it’s displaying aggressive behavior, appears multiple times, or has killed an animal in a neighborhood. Bears, on the other hand, should be reported if they are behaving aggressively, damaging property, or wandering into populated areas, especially as they come out of hibernation in spring.

Moose sightings also call for attention. While these animals are typically seen in foothills, they may venture into urban areas. In such cases, the DWR should be notified to safely relocate them, as moose can be aggressive, particularly around dogs. Likewise, deer typically don’t need to be reported unless they exhibit aggressive behavior. However, the DWR should be contacted if a deer is killed by a vehicle or dies in a neighborhood, so it can be safely removed. Programs like Utah’s Urban Deer Program aim to address rising deer-human conflicts in expanding cities.

Some wildlife, like bobcats and wild turkeys, don’t pose the same risks as predators but can still cause property damage and should be reported when they become a nuisance. The DWR discourages feeding turkeys, as it can attract large flocks and increase disease risk among these birds. Birds of prey may also be seen feeding on roadkill in winter; report these sightings if the birds appear injured, are on the roadway, or remain in the same place for an extended period.

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For additional wildlife safety guidelines and more information, the DWR recommends visiting the Wild Aware Utah website.